Rehabilitators vs. Pest Control

Given the growing amount of injured, abandoned and abused wildlife, the public needs to consider the options as to how they would like these animals to be handled. If it's a concern that the animals be handled in the most compassionate manner, then wildlife rehabilitation efforts need to be supported in New Jersey. Not only are animals treated, healed and released, but there is no cost to anyone. On the other hand, if it is desired that these same animals be dealt with in an expedient manner with little or no regard for their lives, and the individual is willing to pay private contractors to remove them, then the pest control industry will only grow. Unfortunately, this will mean a corresponding increase in suffering and death of our wildlife. Mothers may be trapped leaving babies behind during this the heaviest season for wildlife infants, or they may be trapped and left languishing in traps for extended periods of time with no food, water or shelter. Animals that are trapped by pest control are then killed by several means - they may be shot, drowned or worse. There also is no restriction whatsoever regarding what means a pest control company may use to kill the wildlife they've trapped. Though this is not likely a common situation, it is possible that trappers who wish to have the animals' fur may also be the pest control company, in which case the animal may be killed by anal or genital electrocution to preserve the pelt. Pest control companies will often not guarantee a homeowner that an animal they've trapped will not return unless they kill it. And they are not necessarily honest with homeowners, as people don't generally want to hear about the fate of the animal. While there are pest control companies that may release animals, it is not a requirement and may not be most expedient for them.In another scenario, homeowners or businesses may take matters into their own hands rather than pay a pest control company a fee. In this event, traps or posion may be used, causing yet more suffering. All in all, the compassionate handling of wildlife seems to be the only option for those who care, but if it is made impossible for wildlife rehabilitators to exist and do their job in New Jersey, the only ones who will suffer are the animals. Please contact the legislators mentioned earlier to support this important issue, and check back for future updates as legislation progresses.